It’s a sport dominated by men – but just try telling that to young motocross sensation Marni Saunders.
The 13 year old from Crawley not only holds her own against the boys in what is a fast-paced and highly aggressive sport, but regularly beats them competing on the national stage.
Marni rides for the East Kent Schoolboy Scramble Club, one of the top clubs in the country, and as their name suggests girl riders aren’t common – in fact she is the only one!
“I’m the only girl in the club and the boys hate it when I beat them, which happens quite a lot,” said the Oriel High School pupil. “It’s a massive buzz riding and competing and I just love it, but you have to have loads of confidence to do it.”
That’s not a problem for this young ace, who showcased her prodigious talent by becoming the first ever girl to race in the recent MCF Grand Slam, which brings together the best young riders from the top clubs in the country.
And in a great performance at Culham Park in Abington, Oxfordshire, she helped her East Kent club to the title of 2012 Grand Slam champions.
Marni also competes in the Girls Nationals ever year, and against girls from a variety of countries she has enjoyed plenty of success with top five and podium finishes.
“I have had some big crashes on the bike, I had one recently and had to spend a night in hospital, but I don’t let that worry me,” said Marni, who has already won several Summer Championship races so far this season.
And it’s not just the boys she’s racing against who are put out by her speedy displays.
Dad Steve said: “I used to ride with her around the field until she started beating me and had to give it up.”
There is a professional women’s motocross league and Marni says she is determined to make it to the top and eventually train others to ride. Just watch this space!